The Magic of Gated Reverb: How a Happy Accident Shaped the Sound of the 80s

🔊Gated reverb, a drum sound that defined the 80s, was discovered by accident and became a classic sound of the era.

🎵The iconic drum fill in Phil Collins' 'In the Air Tonight' popularized the use of gated reverb.

💾The AMS RMX16, a shoebox-sized reverb unit, brought gated reverb into the digital age and made it accessible to musicians.

🌊Gated reverb creates a unique sound by abruptly cutting off the audio signal, resulting in a distinctive whip-like effect.

💿Modern producers can easily recreate the 80s gated reverb sound using digital plugins and sample packs.

How was gated reverb discovered?

—Gated reverb was discovered by accident during the recording of Peter Gabriel's album. The band's engineer accidentally picked up the sound of Phil Collins' drums through a mic with a heavy compressor and noise gate, creating the iconic reverb effect.

Who popularized the use of gated reverb?

—Phil Collins, with his iconic drum fill in the song 'In the Air Tonight', popularized the use of gated reverb and made it a defining sound of the 80s.

How did technology change the use of reverb?

—With the introduction of digital technology, reverb units became smaller and more portable. The AMS RMX16, driven by a microprocessor, allowed musicians to create a variety of reverb effects, including gated reverb, with presets and algorithms.

What is the characteristic sound of gated reverb?

—Gated reverb has a distinctive sound that abruptly cuts off the audio signal, creating a whip-like effect. It gives drums a tight, punchy sound and adds a sense of depth and space to the mix.

How can producers recreate the 80s gated reverb sound today?

—Producers can easily recreate the 80s gated reverb sound using digital plugins and sample packs. These tools provide a wide range of presets and settings that emulate the iconic sound of the 80s.

00:01Gated reverb is a distinctive drum sound that defined the 80s.

01:23Gated reverb was discovered by accident during the recording of Peter Gabriel's album.

01:48Phil Collins popularized the use of gated reverb with his iconic drum fill in 'In the Air Tonight'.

04:12The AMS RMX16 revolutionized reverb technology, making gated reverb accessible to musicians.

05:02Gated reverb creates a unique sound by abruptly cutting off the audio signal.

07:26Modern producers can easily recreate the 80s gated reverb sound using digital plugins and sample packs.